The latest digital camera offering from Sony isn’t exactly the most compact thing in the world, but it was never meant to be. The DSC-H5 is a 7.2-megapixel picture taker that has the easy-to-use functionality of a point-and-shooter. Like most other Sony cameras, the lens comes from Carl Zeiss; this time around, it’s of the Vario-Tessar variety and you’ll get a more than adequate 12x optical zoom out of it.

Even when you’re taking distant shots, getting a good view isn’t a problem thanks to the huge 3-inch LCD screen, and you can be sure that the picture won’t come out as a jumbled blur of nothing, because the DSC-H5 incorporates Sony’s Super SteadyShot optical image stabilization technology.

There is 32MB of internal memory to be found, but of course, you’ll need to invest in some external storage. The DSC-H5 will take both Memory Stick Duo and Memory Stick PRO Duo cards, which are now available with up to four gigabytes. The packaged in rechargeable NiMH AA batteries will give you enough juice for about 340 shots.

Available in either silver or black, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H5 digital camera will be hitting shelves this May. Expect prices to be in the $500 range, which includes the necessary cables, lens hood with adapter, and lens cap.